Tips for Getting a Job When Living with a Disability 

Although the developed world has come a long way towards better understanding and accommodating people with disabilities, there is unfortunately still a stigma when it comes to employing them. It does not happen all the time nor at every workplace, but it can be very frustrating and discouraging when it does, especially if your disability is not relevant to the role being applied for. 

However, there are many employers out there who will value your contributions, and who will appreciate your perspective on how they can better serve disabled customers too. During your job search, you should use all of the available resources to seek out these inclusive workplaces. This guide contains some top tips to help you through the process. 

1. Understand your rights

There is legislation in place to make sure that employers cannot discriminate against jobseekers with disabilities. The trouble is that employers are not always aware of them, and they may also not be aware of the fact that they are being biased. While in an ideal world you would not need to do so, it is a good idea to become familiar with your rights and the laws that are there to protect you. 

These protections will vary slightly by country, but most prohibit rejecting applications on the grounds of a disability and state that employers must make a reasonable effort to accommodate the disabled. There may also be questions about your disability that they are not allowed to ask. It is sensible to familiarise yourself with them and think of a polite and professional way to decline them if they come up in any interviews.    

2. Identify the accommodations you need

It is helpful to let employers know how they can prepare to help you. This applies both at the interview and in the role if you get it. For a smoother experience at either, let the employer know in advance. This will prevent any delays or awkwardness.

When you are applying for job roles, read the description carefully to give you an idea of what accommodations you will need to do it. Before accepting the job, you can ask whether the employer already has these in place or if they are prepared to provide them. Remember, in most developed countries employers are obliged to make reasonable accommodations.

3. Contact a disability employment service

If you have a disability employment service provider near you, or you can contact one online, then they should be the first people you reach out to. These are usually non-profit, free-to-use organisations that can not only help you with the previous two points, but plenty more besides them, from preparing your CV  to acing your interview. 

These usually also have a network of disability-friendly employers that they can reach out to in order to find you a role. However, you are not obliged to take a job with one of these. It is important to remember that these services are there to help you meet your employment goals. You remain in control of what jobs you apply for and accept.

4. Focus on your strengths

When you are writing your cover letter and preparing for your interview, there is no need to dwell on your disability. It does not define you, and your interviewer will be much more interested in how you are going to help them. Let them know what accommodations you need but otherwise focus on your strengths and what you have to offer. 

There are tons of resources to help you impress employers with your job application online, and a disability service can help a lot with this too. Some generally good advice for all kinds of roles is to have some quantifiable results that you can quote which demonstrate your past achievements.

READ NEXT

5. Be honest and direct about your disability

As long as your employer is not asking prohibited questions and you are comfortable answering, be as honest and direct as you can about your disability and needs. In most places, they are allowed to ask about your ability to perform the duties that the job calls for. They might also ask you to describe how you would do them. This is actually an opportunity to show them how carefully you read the description and how much thought you have given to the job already.    

Remember that any questions they ask about your disability are likely asked out of good intentions, perhaps even because you have impressed them and they want to know how they can accommodate you in their workplace. 

Conclusion

Disabilities do not have to be a drag on jobseekers. By knowing your rights, needs, and strengths, you can absolutely find a job as long as you stay patient and determined. Using all of the resources at your disposal is very helpful too. You should not be afraid to seek support when you are living with a disability. You might find that you are much more comfortable and confident when applying to employers known to be inclusive.